My Brilliant Journey: From Rathlin Island to Victoria College, Belfast
The Boarding NI film “Our Brilliant Journey” follows a group of young people at five top Northern Ireland Boarding Schools. One of those students is 16 year old Orlagh from Rathlin Island, just off the coast of Northern Ireland. Orlagh is a weekly boarder at Victoria College, Belfast and loves the whole boarding school experience especially the friendships she has made at school.
“I’ve met so many people from different parts of Ireland and overseas which has broadened my horizons and developed my understanding of other cultures and backgrounds. The friendships you make in boarding are really important, I know I’ve made friends for life at Victoria, there’s a real sense of belonging to a community when you are a boarder,” says Orlagh.
Like many of other boarders, Orlagh finds that boarding school has helped her become more independent and better organised.
“I think boarding school is a brilliant springboard to university,” says Orlagh. “I know I’m developing valuable and important life skills that will set me up for the next stage in my education. I’m hoping to study Veterinary Science when I leave school, it’s brilliant to have the support of the boarding staff and teachers to support me as I work towards my exams and fingers crossed fulfilling my ambition to become a vet.”
Victoria College is a leading non-denominational school for girls aged 2-18 years old. Victoria College is located in the leafy Malone Road area of South Belfast with a thriving boarding department. Victoria College consistently produces excellent academic results and prides itself on the added value provide in the College to ensure that each pupil is inspired and challenged to be the best that she can be.
Orlaghs’s Five Favourites
Favourite Food in Boarding Pasta
Favourite Place Rathlin Island
Favourite Subject Geography
Favourite Hobby Basketball
Favourite Northern Ireland Saying “Wee!”